Boudoir photoshoots with Embodied Art studio are all about feeling empowered, sexy, and connected to your body in a positive and grateful way. Yes, nerves are a totally natural part of this experience, but I want the focus to be on elevating you and making sure you feel as confident and as comfortable on the big day as possible!

If you haven’t yet, have a read of my helpful What to Expect For Your Boudoir Photoshoot & My Top 5 Tips for Nailing Your Boudoir Session.

Woman with open hair wearing black lacy lingerie lying on the table, Photo by Embodied Art Boudoir. What not to do, Boudoir photography, colorado boudoir, denver boudoir, boulder boudoir, colorado springs boudoir, boudoir ideas, boudoir poses, boudoir inspiration, boudoir outfits, curvy boudoir, plus size lingerie, lingerie, photoshoot outfits, flattering outfits, curvy lingerie, lingerie look, lingerielook photoshoot, lingerie outfit, lingerie outfit bedroom, lingerie party

But what about what NOT to do?!

Don’t worry, I got you covered! Below are 8 things that are an absolute do NOT do before your upcoming boudoir photoshoot!

1. Spray Tan: You may think that you look better with a tan…but I can assure you, even if you don’t see the streaks and unevenness with your naked eye, the camera will pick them up!

You will photograph tanner than you think you are anyway, and spray tans just tend to come across very orange in color images. Trust me on this!! Similarly, avoid tinted lotions or bronzers on your body.

Despite this warning, I still get many women who message me to say that they’ve been spray tanning for years and they cannot imagine their photoshoot without it. I will still photograph you in this case, but unfortunately, my standard editing will not account for spray tan correction, so keep that in mind.

2. Use a Ton of Shimmer, Glitter, or Contouring: If you’re doing your makeup, a glam or bold look is great! However, you should avoid using body oils, shimmery/glittery eyeshadows/foundations, and heavy contouring. It doesn’t translate very well to the camera and lighting in the studio. Contouring can end up looking “muddy” and glitter ends up looking more like you bedazzled your eyelids.

3. Wear super tight socks (or no socks): Super tight underwear leaves indents in your skin that don’t look great in boudoir photos! And no socks means dirty feet which looks even worse. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and keep your feet clean from morning shower to photoshoot.

Red Hair Woman wearing blue lingerie with flowers on the top lying on the white bed, Photo by Embodied Art Boudoir. What not to do, Boudoir photography, colorado boudoir, denver boudoir, boulder boudoir, colorado springs boudoir, boudoir ideas, boudoir poses, boudoir inspiration, boudoir outfits, curvy boudoir, plus size lingerie, lingerie, photoshoot outfits, flattering outfits, curvy lingerie, lingerie look, lingerielook photoshoot, lingerie outfit, lingerie outfit bedroom, lingerie party

4. Party the Night Before Your Shoot: If you’re nervous, have a bubble bath and do a yoga class. Hangovers aren’t sexy – lawwwwd do I know it!

5. Drink Red Wine to Calm Your Nerves:

Don’t drink a bottle of red wine the day of or right before you show up to calm nerves!

#1-It will stain your teeth and lips.

#2- Drunk does not photograph pretty.

I know it can feel tempting to have a little sip of booze to soothe anxiety if you are super nervous. We’ve all done it! But I want you to think about your intention for your boudoir shoot and use that as your anchor.

Remember, confidence comes from proving your abilities to yourself, so face those nerves head on! Don’t worry, every client who walks in my door ends up feeling so comfortable during their shoot – the preshoot meditation I guide you through also helps!.

6. Forget to Stretch: Many of these poses, while they look effortless, can feel quite unnatural. Take a few minutes on the morning of your shoot to stretch your arms, legs, hips, and especially your back. Torso twists and side bends are a great warmup for the back arching.

People are always surprised to see how sore their muscles are after a photo shoot, so any extra flexibility you can add by a quick yoga flow will only benefit you.

Woman with piercing on nose wearing black lingerie is posing in the dark, Photo by Embodied Art Boudoir. What not to do, Boudoir photography, colorado boudoir, denver boudoir, boulder boudoir, colorado springs boudoir, boudoir ideas, boudoir poses, boudoir inspiration, boudoir outfits, curvy boudoir, plus size lingerie, lingerie, photoshoot outfits, flattering outfits, curvy lingerie, lingerie look, lingerielook photoshoot, lingerie outfit, lingerie outfit bedroom, lingerie party

7. Get a New Haircut/Color Immediately Before Your Shoot: Now isn’t the time to experiment with a whole new look. If you want to get a touch up, try to schedule any cuts for a week before your shoot so your hair has time to ‘grow into’ the cut!

8. Talk Smack on Yourself: I don’t want to hear about how much you hate your hips. I want to hear how much you LOVE your legs.

A great attitude goes a long way in having a fabulous and upbeat experience!

HOWEVER, if you really feel the need to discuss the thing that bothers you the most about your body, let me know by saying, “I love my ___, but my biggest insecurity is my ___”. I will be extra careful to play down your “flaws,” but I will ALSO make it my mission to take the best damn image featuring your ____ so you have a new-found appreciation for it 😉

Let’s do this!

The more you know, hey!? I write these 8 tips from a place of total encouragement so that you can come into the session prepared & able to focus on your photoshoot, from a positive place.

I love when my clients come in prepared and taking my advice seriously. That being said…don’t overthink it too much! Take the leap, jump in, and book your session today – you can worry about the details later 😉